Mrs Birling Flashcards
She is immediately described as ‘cold’ in the first bulk of stage directions in the play
‘[about fifty, a rather cold woman]’ | Page 1, Act 1
She is also automatically introduced as Mr Birling’s social superior, immediately showing how the theme of class is central to her character
‘her husband’s social superior]’
This introduces the theme of gender and more importantly gender equality that occurred at the time, relating to the social context,
‘Sheila! What an expression! Really, the things you girls pick up these days!’
Mrs Birling lies to cover herself as she doesn’t want a bad reputation because of her class
Though naturally I don’t know anything about this girl’
She sees the upper class as perfect and is therefore shocked that a member of the upper class could act as she believes only the working class would act, relating to the social context as well as the theme of class
‘[staggered] Well, really! Aldermand Meggarty! I must say, we are learning something tonight’
Mrs Birling is prejudiced against Eva’s case automatically because of her initially using her name, as well as Eva being of the working class
‘Yes, I think it was simply a piece of gross impertinence - quite deliberate - and naturally that was one of the things that prejudiced me against her case.’
She again feels no guilt and plainly states that she doesn’t feel she is responsible
‘Unlike the other three, I did nothing I’m ashamed of responsible or that won’t bear investigation.’
She takes responsibility away from herself
‘I’ll tell you what I told her. Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility.’
Mrs Birling is accusing Sheila of being immature and childish because she shows an interest in the case which goes against how women were expected to act at the time, relating to the social context
‘[severely] You’re behaving like an hysterical child tonight.’
Instead of comforting her son she is more angered than sympathetic as she knows this is something that could damage her reputation, proving true to her initial description of a ‘cold woman’ and showing the theme of class
‘[with a cry] Oh, Eric, how could you?’
